Expansion Valve Removal/Installation: Notes

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Discharge the refrigerant from the system. (See REFRIGERANT RECOVERY .) (See REFRIGERANT CHARGING .)
CAUTION:
- If moisture or foreign material enters the refrigeration cycle, cooling ability will be lowered and abnormal noise will occur. Always immediately plug all open fittings after removing any refrigeration cycle parts to keep moisture or foreign material out of the cycle.
Disconnect the cooler hose (LO) and cooler pipe. Do not allow compressor oil to spill. (See REFRIGERANT LINE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the following parts:
1. Front scuff plate (passenger-side) (See FRONT SCUFF PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Front side trim (passenger-side) (See FRONT SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Side wall (See SIDE WALL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Center console box (See CENTER CONSOLE BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5. Console panel (See CONSOLE PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
6. Center console (See CENTER CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
7. Shift lever knob (MTX)
8. Selector lever knob (ATX) (See AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE SHIFT MECHANISM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
9. Shift panel (See SHIFT PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
10. Front console (See FRONT CONSOLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
11. Side panel (See SIDE PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
12. Glove compartment (See GLOVE COMPARTMENT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
13. Lower panel (passenger-side) (See LOWER PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the adhesive polyurethane covering the evaporator pipe.

Fig 1: Evaporator Pipe, Expansion Valve And Bolts With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- Being careful not to damage the adhesive sponge rubber, remove adhesive polyurethane completely.
Remove the bolt A and shift the evaporator pipe. Do not allow compressor oil to spill.
Remove the bolt B.
Remove the expansion valve. Do not allow compressor oil to spill.